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ESSAYS, REPORTS, REFLECTIVE WRITING

Essays, reports and reflective journals are common forms of academic writing. They generally differ in these respects:
purpose topic audience format style assessment

Purpose
Essay
To write a well-argued response to a question or proposition, using an analysis and discussion of the relevant literature To establish a proposition or contention (thesis)

Report
To investigate, present and analyse information thoroughly and logically Often to recommend action to solve a problem Usually to make proposals

Reflective journal
To record the development of your ideas and insights To reflect on the content of the subject and on your own learning process To analyse and discuss key issues covered by class work and/or readings

Topic
Essay
Usually a question or proposition Requires reading, sometimes fieldwork

Report
Often a problem or case study based on a real or hypothetical situation Requires reading, fieldwork or practical work

Reflective journal
Often a response to the class content, including lectures, tutorials, set readings or practical placement May be broadly based, or focus on a particular issue or aspect covered in class

Study Tips: Differences essays, reports, journals

June 2012

Audience
Essay
Written for the lecturer

Report
Written for the audience established in the topic (e.g. client, manager), but in reality your lecturer is also the audience

Reflective journal
As a learning experience, youre writing for yourself, although when its assessed your lecturer is also the audience

Format
Essay
Three parts: introduction, body conclusion No headings or sub-headings* * Uses headings and subheadings with headings; the order is often shown by numbers or a combination of letters and numbers

Report
Divided into sections. Sections will vary depending on type and length of report.

Reflective journal
There are no formal format requirements but often it is dated so that you can trace the development of your ideas and learning Frequently no headings or subheadings, but you may choose to use sections if you wish

Style
Essay
Formal English, using paragraphs and complete sentences Needs the objectivity suited to an academic study

Report
Must be objective Point form is sometimes used

Reflective journal
Can be subjective and informal to reflect your own thinking

Assessment
Essay
Success depends on the argument, how one point is related to the next and how well you use evidence from the literature to support your ideas.

Report
Success depends on the demonstration of good research skills and the objective presentation and analysis of relevant information.

Reflective journal
Success depends on development of your insights into the topic Your ideas may change during the course as you gain new understanding of the interrelationships between different aspects of the content.

* Some lecturers in business and nursing require headings see relevant guides.
Study Tips: Differences essays, reports, journals

June 2012

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